Roelof van der Merwe to Roar for Jaguars

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 06: Roelof van der Merwe of South Africa A celebrates the wicket of Moises Henriques of Australia A during the 1st ODI match between South Africa A and Australia A from Tuks Oval on August 06, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Hung Hom JD Jaguars have introduced Roelof van der Merwe as their latest entrant to their squad for the Hong Kong T20 Blitz 2018. The cricketer comes with ample experience of playing on a plethora of pitches, and as an allrounder, he has plenty to offer each time he takes the field. From February 6-11 2018, Van der Merwe will be playing in pink for the Hung Hom JD Jaguars, as he also looks to shore up the entertainment and glamour of the tournament’s third season.

Roelof van der Merwe is one of few cricketers who has represented two countries at the international level. After first donning the Proteas colors in his initial years, van der Merwe has been playing for the Netherlands since 2015. On November 29 2017, he scored a match-winning century against Namibia, and also collected 5 wickets in the match. This effort earned him the player of the match award, and helped Netherlands to finish third place in the recent ICC Intercontinental Cup tournament in Dubai.

Hung Hom JD Jaguars’ head coach, Afzaal Haider is very excited of van der Merwe’s signing, and hopes the cricketer can bring his red hot form for the local franchised team. “Our team was on the lookout for a quality left arm spinner all rounder, and I am sure van der Merwe will play a very pivotal role with both bat and ball in our campaign to taste tournament triumph,” said Haider.

Roelof van der Merwe is not new Hong Kong, and he holds high regards Asia’s World City each time he visits. “It’s always great to come to Hong Kong. This time I look forward to playing for the Hung Hom JD Jaguars and bring them glory in the HKT20 Blitz 2018,” said the incumbent cricketer.

“Having played against Hong Kong, I know the quality of players they’ve got, and it would be great to play alongside some of the best local talent.”

Hung Hom JD Jaguars will take on City Kaitak in the inaugural match of the tournament. Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, Hong Kong Island United, and Kowloon Canton complete the quintet of competitors, all whom will be vying to be victors of the third tournament at Mission Road Cricket Ground.

Suraj Sam Samtani is a freelance writer and reporter for international media and companies across the globe, and is also an academic and personal coach.